Ed Balls refuses to back Jim Murphy’s claims on spending cuts

Jim Murphy’s claims Scotland would be exempt from further cuts after 2016 under a Labour government have been shot down by Ed Balls.

During a televised debate last week, the Scottish party leader said a report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies was “very clear”, adding: “We don’t have to make further cuts after 2015/16.”

However, both shadow chancellor Ed Balls and shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna contradicted him during interviews at the launch of the party’s general election manifesto in Manchester.

Mr Balls said: “I can’t say to Scotland that you are going to be exempt from spending cuts in the unprotected areas.”

Mr Umunna added: “The leader of the Scottish Labour party will not be in charge of the UK budget.

“The leader of our country, the next prime minister Ed Miliband, will be in charge of the UK budget.”

Asked by The Courier what he would cut, Mr Murphy said a 1% cap on child benefit and tax rises would cover the costs.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “The truth is out about Labour spending cuts.

“Jim Murphy’s false claims in the TV debates have been rubbished by his own party bosses at Westminster, who have hung him out to dry.”